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Ah, my dear readers, gather 'round as we take a spin down memory lane, back to a time when Birmingham's airwaves were graced by the triumphant roar of rock 'n' roll. Allow me to regale you with the saga of WZRR, a station that once resonated with the very heartbeat of this vibrant Alabama city.
In the crisp December air of 1976, a beacon of sonic rebellion emerged from the heart of Birmingham, christened as WVOK-FM, sister to the renowned WVOK. Behold, "K-99," a moniker that echoed across the hills and valleys, signaling a new era of progressive rock. Amidst the echoes of steel mills, K-99 was a symphony of renegade tunes, an audible oasis of rhythm for the daring souls who craved the unconventional. K-99 was a realm of musical wizardry, where the 1960s and 1970s harmonized in a dazzling crescendo of rock ballads and anthems. As the playlist swirled and twirled, listeners were swept away by the enchanting melodies of legends like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. Birmingham was smitten; K-99 was an instant hit, solidifying its place as the city's first full-time progressive rock station. And then, ah, the winds of change blew as they often do. The station's AM counterpart was sold, prompting a call sign shift to WRKK while "K-99" clung to its roots. But as the tides of fate would have it, a new format arrived: country music took center stage, and K-99 transformed into "K-99 Country." Alas, the country spirit did not quite strike a harmonious chord with listeners, leading to yet another metamorphosis. In a curious dance of call letters, WQUS emerged, sporting the moniker "U.S. 99." Yet even the charm of Birmingham's favorite morning duo, Tommy Charles and John Ed Willoughby, couldn't salvage the shipwrecked musical voyage. In a final attempt to catch the elusive musical tide, WLTB arrived with a gentler embrace, rebranding as "Lite 99" and attempting to serenade listeners with soft adult contemporary hits. But wait, dear readers, for our journey is not yet over! Behold, the year 1988, when a Christmas miracle graced the airwaves. At the stroke of 6:00 p.m., WZRR was born, breathing life into classic rock once more. The iconic tune of "All Right Now" by Free signaled the rebirth of the station as "Rock 99," and thus began an era of classic rock that spanned over two decades. Through a delightful series of name changes – from "Classic Rock 99.5" to the mischievous "Buzzard" phase – WZRR's rock 'n' roll legacy blazed on. With the dawn of the 21st century, "Rock 99" emerged, proclaiming its title as "Alabama's Best Rock." As we marveled at this sonic odyssey, Birmingham's residents tapped their feet and nodded their heads, transported to a realm where electric guitar solos and lyrical tales wove dreams. Oh, the memories! We chuckle now, remembering the locally originated "Mojo Morning Show" that brightened our mornings and the timeless lineup of DJs who were our rock 'n' roll guides. Alas, as time unfurls its tapestry, the chapter of "Rock 99" drew to a close, with Cumulus Media taking the helm. Yet, the tale doesn't end there. New Year's Day 2012 brought a dramatic twist – the music shifted to a pulse-pounding Top 40 format, bidding farewell to the rock era. The crescendo of "Girls, Girls, Girls" by Mötley Crüe segued into the rhythmic vibrations of "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO, and "99.5 The Vibe" was born, infusing fresh energy into Birmingham's auditory landscape. Our story now carries us to the year 2014, when another metamorphosis occurred. "Sweet Home Alabama" and "All Summer Long" crooned from the airwaves, introducing the era of "99.5 Nash Icon." Southern rock and country took center stage, enveloping listeners in the comforting embrace of nostalgia. As our tale nears its conclusion, we find ourselves in 2016, when "The South" stirred echoes of its own before giving way to a new chapter – "Talk 99.5." A hybrid blend of Southern rock and country faded into the background, making room for talk radio to reign supreme. And so, my fellow audiophiles, we find ourselves here, basking in the nostalgia of rock 'n' roll's journey through Birmingham's airwaves. Raise your proverbial glasses, my friends, and toast to WZRR – a station that once rocked and rolled, that spun tales of rebellion and rhythms, and that brought generations together through the magic of music. As we sip our Carnation-inspired beverages, let us fondly remember the days of rock 'n' roll glory, where guitars roared, voices soared, and Birmingham's heart pulsed to the beat of WZRR's rock 'n' roll symphony. Vive la musique! Comments are closed.
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AuthorThe Birmingham Free Press was established in 1997 as an independent news and entertainment source. We publish a variety of books, magazines, and comics, along with our flagship, broadsheet newspaper. Archives
August 2023
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